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[AMPS] Safety resistor

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Safety resistor
From: measures@vcnet.com (measures)
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 13:27:36 -0700
>
>In the common circuit used for GG triode amplifiers that separates the B- 
>from
>ground in order to allow for convenient plate and grid current metering, 
>there
>is a 'safety resistor' from B- to ground.  
>
>Most designs seem to use a value like 10 or 20 ohms.  As G3sek
><http://www.ifwtech.demon.co.uk/g3sek/> points out, if you use the 'voltmeter
>method' to measure grid current, the high value of the shunt resistor 
>requires a
>higher value for the safety resistor (he suggests 1000 ohms) to keep the grid
>metering accurate.
>
>My question is:  What malfunction is this 'safety resistor' protecting us
>against?  

?  Destructive surge current, provided that the resistor is installed 
where it belongs. 

>What could happen if it were omitted or opened in service?
>
?    This resistor belongs in the positive side of the hv supply, not the 
negative.  When the glitch resistor is in negative circuitry, a positive 
to gnd arc elevates the cathode circuitry to many kilovolts.  A glitch 
resistor needs to be stout enough to withstand repeated hv positive to 
gnd arcs.  


-  Rich..., 805.386.3734, www.vcnet.com/measures.  


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